How do squirrels adapt to their habitat?

A:

Quick Answer

Squirrels adapt to their habitat by using their thick fur to keep warm, hiding in their nests for warmth, storing food and using their intelligence. Squirrels can survive in many environments, though they do best in wooded areas.

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Squirrels have thick fur that can keep them warm that grows thicker in the winter. The squirrel will also use its tail to protect itself from the rain by folding it over its body and head.

Hide in nests

There is no winter hibernation period for squirrels, but squirrels will hide for lengthy periods of time inside of their nests if the weather is too cold or too rough. Some squirrels, such as the red squirrel, will store food inside of their nests so that they can stay inside for weeks.

Storing foods

Squirrels store food so that they always have a good supply. This keeps them in generally good health. Although squirrels are known for eating nuts, they will also eat bark, fruit, roots, seeds, shoots, flower bulbs, leaves and fungi. If they are desperate, they may even eat insects.

Intelligence

Squirrels are highly intelligent and also quite curious, so they can adapt to new environments, such as an urban area, quickly. They will also use their intelligence to find new places to build warm nests, which can irritate those living in cities.Learn more about Rodents